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KishHealth System Hospice

Hospice care at KishHealth System has one mission: to assist people to live with dignity and hope in ways that best meet their needs while coping with end-of-life issues, and to support grieving family and community members.

When to Call Hospice

It’s never too early to call KishHealth System Hospice. Even if you are not ready to begin hospice care, we may be able to answer your questions or find a resource that would be helpful to you and your loved ones. It's easier to make calls and ask questions before a crisis situation arises.

A physician often recommends hospice care and must certify your diagnosis and prognosis of 6 months or less in their best judgment, before end-of-life care can begin. You have the final say in deciding if hospice is right for you. You can also choose to stop your hospice care if you choose to resume aggressive treatment. You can resume Hospice care when you are, again wanting Hospice services.

Making that first phone call to hospice can be emotionally challenging, whether you are calling for yourself or for someone you love. At KishHealth System Hospice, we strive to answer your questions and calm your fears.

Call hospice when:

You are looking for information about advance directives to help you communicate your healthcare decisions

You have questions about end-of-life issues, for yourself or your loved ones

You need guidance in making realistic care plans for you or for someone else dealing with end-of-life care challenges

Being a caregiver or grief from loss are negatively affecting your life

When you or your loved one no longer desires curative and/or aggressive treatment

When your physician has told you that the treatments you are receiving are no longer effective and you have a terminal illness with limited life expectancy

Paying for Hospice Care

KishHealth System Hospice bills to Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans for the services we provide. Donations and fundraising activities help provide care to individuals who are without insurance and are unable to pay for care. No one is denied services based on their ability to pay.

KishHealth System Hospice Service Area

KishHealth System Hospice can provide in-home hospice care, or you can receive care in one of the nursing facilities located in DeKalb County. We are licensed to serve DeKalb, Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, Lee, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle counties. Our service area includes communities served by Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb and Valley West Hospital in Sandwich and extends into the towns bordering DeKalb County, including:

Big Rock

Creston

Elburn

Earlville

Hampshire

Kaneville

Lake Holiday

Lee

Leland

Maple Park

Paw Paw

Plano

Virgil

Your primary physician can be located outside the service area but must be in Illinois. If you do not have a physician the Hospice Medical Director may act as the primary physician.